A64998:146
The wells of salvation opened, or, Words whereby we may be saved
The wells of salvation opened, or, Words whereby we may be saved by Thomas Vincent.
London: printed for Thomas Parkhurst, 1668
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. Ministers must preach the words of salvation Boldly: This the Apostle desires prayers for himself to the Lord that he might be enabled to do, Eph. 6.19, 20. And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel; for which I am an Ambassador in bonds, that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak. ⟨p. 75⟩Ministers should deliver their Message with all boldness and authority, as being the Ambassadors of the King of glory; they should speak boldly without shame and without fear.
4. Ministers must preach the words of salvation Boldly: This the Apostle desires prayers for himself to the Lord that he might be enabled to do, Eph. 6.19, 20. And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel; for which I am an Ambassadour in bonds, that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak. ⟨p. 75⟩Ministers should deliver their Message with all boldness and authority, as being the Ambassadours of the King of glory; they should speak boldly without shame and without fear.
1. They should speak boldly without shame, as Paul, Rom: 1.16. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, unto every one that believeth; the preaching of the Gospel is accounted folly by some of great account in the World for wisdom; and the Preachers of the Gospel are accounted Fools, and despised: Some reproach them, others mock and deride them, especially when they preach in such plain language as is most easy for all to understand; but Ministers must preach boldly, notwithstanding all the scoffs of the ungodly and profane; and in a good sense they may glory in their shame; for indeed that which the wicked do make the matter of scorn and shame, is matter of the greatest glory; it is the honour of Ministers to preach the Gospel of salvation, such an honour as the Lord hath not conferred upon the Angels (as hath been shown) and therefore they should preach boldly without shame.